FEATURE: 6 ways to help Afghan refugees as they resettle in Colorado

6WAYS TO HELP AFGHAN REFUGEES ARRIVING IN COLORADO

Families board a U.S. Air Force plane at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul, Afghanistan on Aug. 24, 2021. Source: US Marine Corps

Afghan refugees have begun to arrive in Colorado. “Our state and local communities are proud partners in global humanitarian and refugee resettlement efforts, and Colorado has long partnered with the federal government to play our part,” said Governor Polis in a letter to President Biden last month.

Upon arrival, refugees will work with one of the three local resettlement agencies to secure basic needs, including housing, food, job placement and case management, as well as a health screening.

The three Colorado agencies that work directly with the federal office of Refugee Resettlement include: Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains (LFSRM), the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Denver and the African Community Center.

Coloradans have already jumped in to help with donation drives popping up around the state. Here are ways to welcome the newly arrived Afghan families:

ONE. Donate household items | Organizations have compiled lists of items needed to help refugees settle into their new homes. Items include household goods, baby supplies, hygiene products, bike safety and donations to help someone looking for work.

The IRC has donation lists with instructions on how to package and schedule a drop-off time. You can also order items from their Amazon Wish List. LFSRM has donation lists for an apartment bin checklist, baby baskets, welcome baskets and hygiene baskets.

TWO. Volunteer your time | Volunteer services are needed through Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service including airport pick-ups, apartment set-ups, or bringing a meal. The IRC also has volunteer opportunities at: www.rescue.org/volunteer-opportunities/ denver-co.

THREE. Provide a job | For businesses or companies, offering a refugee a job is one of the most foundational ways to help someone start their life anew, according to the Denver chapter of the International Rescue Committee. If your company is hiring, e-mail Barbara. Guglielminotti@rescue.org with Denver’s International Rescue Committee.

FOUR. Tutor youth | Volunteer for the LFSRM in-home tutoring program that matches participants with a high school-aged refugee. Tutors will likely help their students with basic literacy and subject competency but tasks could vary based on the needs of the child. The commitment is one hour per week for the duration of a semester. Learn more at: www.lfsrm.org/programs-and-services/refugees/refugee-asylee-volunteer-program.

FIVE. Deliver food | The IRC is looking for volunteers to pick up food boxes from Metro Caring or Project Worthmore locations and deliver food to up to five homebound families in the Denver Metro area. The committee estimates the time commitment to be two to three hours per week.

SIX. Learn about the Afghan culture and history

Take time to research and read about Afghanistan, its people, and its history. This includes their values of hospitality towards others and loyalty towards family. Explore Afghan cuisine, including karahi and kabobs from Afghan Kabob in Westminster and enjoy the homemade Afghan bread from Edris International Market in Aurora. Above all, be kind.